Real Madrid kicks off without Ricardo Carvalho

Real Madrid got up and running in Valdebebas with many players absent, but the most notable was Ricardo Carvalho. As opposed to those who played in Euro 2012 and Marcelo – called up for the Olympics – the Portuguese defender was supposed to take part in the first training session, but failed to make an appearance in Valdebebas. This provides further evidence that his departure from the club is almost certain.

Real Madrid is already at work in Valdebebas. The players were called in first thing in the morning to undergo the analyses and fitness tests conducted at this stage of the season. The first to arrive in Valdebebas was Álvaro Morata, who debuts this season as a full member of the first team squad.

The home-grown player turned up at 8:01 a.m., although some of his teammates had even arrived before him. Mourinho arrived by car along with Rui Faría just one minute after the young striker. Next came the members of the first team: Kaká, Granero, Di María, Adán, Higuaín, Lass and Sahin.